The Classic Moth is aggressively canvassed for its weight.
Performance Ratios
Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.
SA / Displacement
64.8
Performance-oriented — carries a lot of canvas for its weight.
Capsize Screening
4.74
Above the 2.0 offshore threshold — best suited for coastal and protected waters.
Motion & Offshore Suitability
Two ratios that matter most when you're planning passages — how the boat feels in a seaway, and whether the hull geometry is suitable for open ocean.
Capsize Screening Formula
4.74
Above the 2.0 offshore threshold — best suited for coastal and protected waters.
Under 2.0 — Acceptable for offshore
Over 2.0 — Coastal / protected waters
Wind Range & Comfort Envelope
Estimated wind ranges for comfortable sailing on the Classic Moth — based on sail area, ballast, and displacement characteristics.
Ghosting
0–5 kts
Light air, motor-sailing likely. Need patience and a light genoa.
Sweet Spot
5–16 kts
Comfortable under full sail. Best speed-to-comfort ratio.
Time to Reef
16–24 kts
Time to shorten sail. Reef the main, swap to a working jib.
Heavy Weather
24+ kts
Storm conditions. Storm jib or bare poles. Seek shelter if coastal.
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Classic Moth.
| Classic Moth | Europe International | Moth International | Penguin | Sailfish Alcort | Topper | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 11.0 | 11.0 | 11.0 | 11.4 | 11.6 | 11.2 |
| LWL | — | 11.0 | 11.0 | — | — | — |
| Beam | 5.0 | 4.4 | 7.4 | 4.7 | 2.6 | 3.9 |
| Displacement | 75 | 99 | 57 | 140 | 82 | 99 |
| Sail Area | 72 | 76 | — | — | — | — |
| Performance | ||||||
| SA/Disp | 64.8 | 56.8 | — | — | — | — |
| Comfort | — | 1.9 | — | 2.7 | 3.3 | 2.5 |
| Capsize | 4.74 | 3.82 | — | — | — | — |
| Hull Speed | — | 4.4 | — | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4.1 |